Ocean Surf

Exemplifying Miami’s historic Art Deco architecture, the Ocean Surf Blue has a pink, yellow, and blue pastel exterior and porthole windows. The hotel was built in 1940 by Architect Anton Skislewicz, who also designed the Plymouth, Breakwater, and Lord Balfour hotels. The hotel could benefit from a renovation that respects the building’s character. There are some worn chairs on the patio outside the hotel, and some mishmash furnishings inside its lobby, including a retro pink couch, a piano, and some kitschy ocean pictures. The hotel is in a row of other hotels conveniently located across the street from the beach, and there’s a public parking lot out front framed by tall palm trees.

Ocean Surf Blue Hotel is across the street from a great stretch of Miami Beach. There are several restaurants within walking distance offering Latin, Cuban, Brazilian, and Peruvian food. The bar scene in South Beach is within a 20-minute car ride or a 40-minute bus ride. The shops in Bal Harbour can be reached in less than 15 minutes by car, or by bus with one transfer. The airport is less than a 25-minute drive away.

Rooms are in need of a refresh. Furnishings include tube-style TVs, worn wooden nightstands, stained carpeting, and mini-fridges in need of a defrost. Some rooms have balconies or porthole windows with ocean views, and a floor-through penthouse is available with a king and full-size sofa bed. All rooms have free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are basic with shower/tub combos and minimal toiletries.

There's free Wi-Fi, and a breakfast that includes cereal and milk. Vending machines sell snacks and drinks. The hotel is in a convenient location, across the street from a great stretch of beach and within a short walk to a bus stop.